Catch the Jackpot in Homer’s Halibut Derby

Every year, Homer hosts a jackpot halibut derby in which hundreds of fishermen participate. The derby runs throughout the halibut fishing season, through August and into September. Our Alaska car rentals clients often take a chance at winning this jackpot derby, if not just for the fun of the fishing. It’s always a blast to see the other fishers out, and make a weekend trip of it.

This year marks the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby’s 31st year running – here’s hoping to another 31 more! If you’ve never participated, we recommend setting out if not only to see the spectacle of fishermen across the lake, in a crowd of charters. It is a very “Alaskan” experience.

Homer, Alaska is located on Kachemak Bay and is the final destination on Sterling Highway. It is known as “The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” and brings in hundreds every year just to experience the top quality fishing. But when you’re fishing here, you won’t just get the opportunity at delicious, abundant halibut. You’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain vistas and elegant ocean views that you can’t get simply by staying in your Alaska car rentals for your entire visit.

Prizes available

The prizes are dependent on how the fish is tagged. Every year, officials in Homer tag more than 100 fish. Each one is tagged with a different prize tag. The largest fish tag is the GCI $50,000 in cash. The second largest prize is $35,000 towards your chosen vehicle from either Stanley Chrysler or Stanley Ford.

The jackpot prize is given to the fisherman who caught the largest fish that season. It is worth a base $10,000 award, as well as $0.50 per ticket sold that year. Don’t expect to be able to fit this halibut whole in your Alaska car rentals!

In fact, if you catch the winning fish, you’ll even be granting a prize to your charter captain. The Captain’s prize offers 10% of the prize to the charter captain who navigated the boat on which the winning halibut was caught. Furthermore, the ticket seller who sold the ticket to the winning fisherman will be awarded $1000. At the Homer Halibut Derby, we believe in sharing the wealth won.

If you catch a left-handed halibut, you’ll win $100. Kids are eligible to win ticket draws at the end of the season. There are prizes ranging from $125, $150, $200, $250, and $300. That’s a lot of cash for a kid 12 and under! Will your child be one of the lucky draw winners this year?

The released fish prize is another end of season draw worth $1000. You will be entered into this draw if you catch and release a halibut that measures 48 inches (4 feet) or longer – that’s a BIG halibut!

And of course, the tagged prizes offer every one a chance to win. There are 30 fish swimming these waters that are worth $50. Another 100 (plus some!) range in prizes from $250, $500, and $1000. If you catch a fish that was tagged the previous year, you will win $100 – so it’s definitely not a waste! You could walk out of this derby with your Alaska car rentals fees worth of prizes, plus plenty left over for a few luxury activities this trip.

Don’t forget to buy your ticket!

If you don’t buy a ticket, you can’t win! And the number of people who have caught prize-winning fishes but didn’t have a ticket to be able to claim the prize is just astonishing. You don’t want to catch a $1000 fish only to find out you can’t claim it. Tickets are only $10 to purchase.

Reserve your Alaska car rentals today and set out for your chance to win in the Homer Halibut Derby!

August Berry Picking in Alaska

Alaska is known for its wide variety of plant species dotted across the state. What you may not be aware of though, is that Alaska is rich in naturally and wildly growing food. Many natives of Alaska love to go berry picking in the summer to supplement their fresh Alaskan diet that is hunted and fished. Bring a few baskets in your Alaska car rentals to pick fresh wild berries right from the landscape.

Salmonberries

While the name doesn’t sound particularly appealing, salmonberries are an iconic Alaskan fruit as its name mixes two of the things that Alaskans love so much: salmon and wild berries! Berries are everywhere in Alaska, and as an added bonus, Alaskan wild berries are absolutely loaded with antioxidants. For some reason, there are far more antioxidants found in Alaskan wild berries than any berry you’ll be able to find in any store.

This is the perfect time to go salmonberry and crowberry hunting. Salmonberries get their name from their reddish pink hue and close resemblance to salmon roe. In fact, if you mix these two delicious treats together, you’ll get cured tasty snack. The berries are a little tough and not very juicy, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally smashing them in your Alaska car rentals. They are slightly sour, but are finished with sweetness to balance out the tartness of the first bite.

Common uses for salmonberries include pies or tarts, syrups, jams, and other preserves. However, they are absolutely delicious on their own, fresh and raw. Of course, you can also experiment by adding a sweet, tart flavor to savory entrées.

Lingonberries

Lingonberries are known for their Swedish origins, but they are also found in Alaska. They look similar to cranberries, but taste a little less tart and sour than the latter. These berries are simply delicious in jams, pies, and other preserves. They also taste delightful when made into syrup and poured over pancakes or crepes.

You’ll have to do a little hiking to find these berries. They are often found on mountain slopes, in the woods, and across the tundra. They ripen throughout August.

Other August berries

Many berries ripen throughout the month of August. Right now you’ll likely only be able to find salmonberries and crowberries. Crowberries are little bit boring when eaten raw alone, but they’re perfect for adding to a sweet pie or tart. They are purplish-blue like blueberries, without the full flavor that is offered by blueberries.

Other berries that you’ll be able to find later in the month of August are blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries.

Bring bear protection

Remember that you’re not the only one foraging for berries in the forest. Bears love to pick berries as a delightful dessert to compliment their fishing adventures. It is crucial that you bring something to protect yourself from the bears. Mace and bear-bells are good starts to ensuring you don’t get caught in a sticky situation. Make lots of noise as you wander around foraging, to scare bears off.

Stay on trails and highly populated areas. This isn’t always protection, though, as bears often come close to these areas as well – something you may have already noticed this in your Alaska car rentals. Pay attention to noises around you, and leave the headphones in your Alaska car rentals.

Bring a stool

Regardless of how tall you are, sometimes berries are just a little bit out of reach. Bring along a stool to help you reach those high up little gems.

A few good spots

Every Alaskan has their own preferred berry-picking spot which, as a visitor, you won’t have the advantage of knowing. However, there are a few spots around Alaska where we can guarantee you’ll find an abundance of berries. They are listed below:

  • Turnagain Pass
  • Crow Pass Trail
  • Rendezvous Peak
  • Rabbit Creek
  • Indian Valley Trail
  • Kincaid Park
  • Eagle River Valley
  • Lazy Mountain
  • Hatcher Pass
  • Old Johnson Trail
  • Crow Pass Road
  • Prospect Heights, Chugach State Park

Pack up your Alaska car rentals and get picking! Reserve your vehicle today.

Explore the Kenai Fjords This Summer

The summer season has brought beautifully bright scenes to Alaska. If you haven’t got out to explore these gorgeous vistas, then you’re certainly missing out. Alaska is one of those rare places that is absolutely, incredibly gorgeous regardless of the season and we find solace in the natural landscape. One landscape that we positively must recommend is the Kenai Fjords National Park. Make sure to pack a lunch and some hiking gear in your Alaska SUV rentals when you head up to the Kenai Fjords.

The glaciers of the fjords

First off, you absolutely must see Exit Glacier. This glacier is one of Alaska’s most beautiful, and offers a stunning glimpse of the variety of Alaskan wildlife and nature. Unfortunately, Exit Glacier is receding. Because of this, we advise our Alaska SUV rentals clients to see the glacier while it remains.

One to two hour long ranger-led hikes around the glacier are offered daily. These walks will offer you insight on the surrounding landscape and wildlife of the area, while also showing you the best and safest hiking trails in the glacier. From the Exit Glacier Nature Center, you also have the option of taking a Harding Icefield Trail tour to see the place from which the glacier derived.

If you’re bringing your Alaska SUV rentals from Seward, you’re most likely to see the Aialik Glacier – the largest glacier in Aialik Bay. In fact, this glacier is so close to Seward (only 15 miles) that you can kayak from the city to the glacier. This is a lovely outdoor trip for anyone who loves water sports. If not, you can also take a cruise from Seward to the glacier.

The fjord boat tour

There are several boat tours available to let you see the fjords by water. These offer stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and of the fjords. If you’ve never seen fjords before, the Kenai fjords are beautiful starters. These spectacular mountain topped lakes and rivers will take you into another world. A world that is peaceful, filled with wildlife, and clean from the pollution of the urban settings.

Also available are combination hiking and boating tours. This is the option we’d recommend. Get out and stretch your legs after driving in your Alaska SUV rentals, while enjoying the Kenai Fjords the way they were meant to be enjoyed. The hike around the Kenai Fjords National Park isn’t too challenging, so you certainly don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the Kenai Fjords National Park by foot. You’ll still want to make sure you have comfortable shoes, though!

Marine and land wildlife

The Kenai Fjords are bursting with all kinds of wildlife, both land-based and marine. The wildlife in the fjords is one of the many things that brings so many people to the Kenai Fjords. Many tourists are stunned to discover orcas, and humpback, fin, and minke whales in the fjords, swimming gracefully past the boats. You’re also likely to spot cute little otters playing through the shores, sea lions, seals, beavers, porpoises, and even a dolphin or two (always a favorite of the kids’!). It’s lovely to see the marine life living in harmony with one another and with nature in such an awe-inspiring setting.

Turn your eyes to the sky to spot eagles and falcons, puffins and murre, black-billed magpies and Steller’s jay. By land, watch out for Canadian lynx and wolves, coyotes and brown and black bears. You may even spot a few porcupines waddling past, or mountain goats trotting through the brush. Have your camera ready in case you spot a moose!

There’s no question that the Kenai Fjord’s National park is a top spot to visit in your Alaska SUV rentals. Reserve your Alaska SUV rentals today to begin your wildlife adventure.

 

 

Celebrate 4th of July in Your Anchorage Car Rental

The 4th of July is finally upon us, and here at Avis we’re so excited. This year marks the 240th anniversary since we gained Independence in the Revolutionary War, and we think that’s worth a special celebration. You’re bound to see celebrations sand events as you drive through the city in your Anchorage car rental. With all of that hype and mayhem, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Don’t worry – we can help direct you. All you need to do is go “fourth” and prosper – eat, laugh, and be merry.

Start the day off properly

What’s a more American breakfast than pancakes? Start your day off with some good eats at the pancake breakfast. For $5 (all of which goes to the Polynesian Association of Alaska), you’ll be able to pack up nourishment for the rest of the day. You can find the breakfast on the Delaney Park Strip between W 9th Avenue and W 10th. Breakfast starts at 8:00 a.m.

Conveniently, the pancake breakfast is located right where the parade will begin at G St. and W 9th. You won’t need to scramble to find a new parking spot for your Anchorage car rental just to watch the parade. What a relief!

The traditional parade

What’s a July 4th celebration without a parade? The Community and Veterans Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. You’ll see a variety of local organizations and groups that will bring you Independence Day pride. The parade route isn’t excessive, which allows you to bring your kids with the parade without having to wait too long for the procession to pass. After all, kids may love parades but they certainly don’t do well with a long wait time.

Festival and games

You won’t need to move your Anchorage car rentals just yet! Festivities continue in the Delaney Park Strip following the parade. Beginning at noon and running until 6 p.m. the park offers a range of games and vendors to peruse. With live bands and music throughout the day, this is an event for all of the senses.

Food vendors dot the park so you will never go hungry. There are enough vendors to keep you satisfied, but if you’re looking for a good sit down meal there are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area. However, you won’t have to do to get good Alaskan seafood and other classic delights.

Special events

The festival runs a few special events before it closes at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks begin.

One that may be of interest is the Declaration of Independence reading. An annual event put on by the Harvard Club, the reading this year takes place at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Flag Pole. If your kids have never heard the Declaration in full, this is a great place to hear it for the first time. It will enhance their pride, and reinstate yours to the fullest. Not only that, but you’ll feel transported back in time. It’s always interesting to hear the original document that sparked the formation of our great democracy, but the Harvard Club makes it even more fun and authentic. They dress in period costumes that look like they’ve been taken straight from Revolutionary America.

Finish the day off in a proper American style – with doubleheader baseball games. The Alaska Baseball League runs this doubleheader every year, and it never disappoints. The first game begins at 7 p.m., so you’ll get an hour break between the festival and the game to grab food or settle into your seats. This year it’s the Anchorage Glacier Pilots versus the Anchorage Bucs – a nail-biter! For those who don’t know, these teams are Anchorage’s rivals. You’ll feel the palpable tension and excitement from your Anchorage car rental.

The day is finished with fireworks that ignite just as the second game of the evening comes to a close. What a perfect way to end the day.

We’re proud to be Alaskan, and American. Be part of our proud community when you reserve your Anchorage car rental from Avis this July 4th weekend.

Best Places to Get Hot Dogs this July 4th Weekend

This July 4th weekend marks 240 years since the United States of America won its Independence from Great Britain. How are you going to celebrate it? All of us here at Avis Alaska car rentals will definitely be enjoying a few of America’s classic culinary delights, including, of course, the hot dog.

If you’re looking for a truly stellar hot dog this holiday weekend, look no further than Anchorage. There are some delicious franks across this city that will make you proud to be an American. Of course, you’ll definitely spot the Alaskan classic reindeer dogs. These dogs are exactly as they sound – hot dogs made with the famous northern animal. And they are beyond good! Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

Johnny Chicago’s, Midtown Anchorage

Johnny Chicago’s is known for its incredible Chicago Dog and pizzas. Here you can get two American favorites while joining a tradition of tourists and locals alike being transported to Chicago, IL with their delightful dogs and deep dishes. Furthermore, these dogs are known for being amazingly unique and special in Alaska. Definitely not something to miss!

Pair it with one of their classic Italian Ices for a complete meal.

Orso, Downtown Anchorage

If you’re looking for an Alaskan twist on the American classic, then take your Alaska car rentals down to Orso. Here you’ll find their King Crab Corn Dogs served with a mustard crème fraiche. This dish is absolutely delicious. You get the added benefit of having a slightly healthier meal than the traditional corn dog.

Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant, Spenard, Anchorage

Gwennie’s is a classic. If you’re looking for a full meal while the kids are whining for Indepedence Day hot dogs, then we’d highly recommend going to Gwennie’s to enjoy their range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. If you’re looking for a scrumptious seafood meal then this is definitely the place to go. With dishes like crab benedict, halibut chunk, shrimp OR clam cocktail, shrimp Louis, the Fisherman’s platter and many more, you won’t be disappointed with their fresh from the deep menu.

Sticking strictly to dogs for those little rug rats, their mini corn dogs and fries or pigs in a blanket will satisfy any kid’s craving. You’ll even want to steal a couple while they’re not looking! In general, Gwennie’s is a great place to park the Alaska car rentals to indulge in a few plates of tasty comfort food.

Hot Dog on a Stick, Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall

Who doesn’t love Hot Dog on a Stick? In business since 1946, these corn dog creators must be doing something right. Their corn dogs are made fresh with every order, so you never have to worry about soggy, hours old dogs.

Finish the meal off with one of their renowned lemonades and you’ll feel like you’ve been spoiled. Their lemonades are always fresh, and are offered in a variety of flavors including limeade, cherry, and lite.

Hot Dog on a Stick will be open on July 4th, but if you want a dog you’ll want to plan your trip well. The mall is only open from 10 am until 6 pm that day – so you won’t get any post fireworks corn dogs unless you buy them in advance!

International House of Hot Dogs

Of course, we couldn’t forget to suggest an Anchorage favorite – the International House of Hot Dogs. While it may look like an unassuming food truck from the front, don’t be fooled. This little hot dog stand packs a mighty punch, and offers an unbelievable selection of dogs that are always cooked to perfection. The dogs are known for being affordable without sacrificing the top-quality dogs that they are sure to deliver.

Here you’ll find classic reindeer dogs with a modern twist. This is the perfect place to try reindeer dogs for the first time, as this truck makes every type of dog taste spectacular. The employees will even bring your dogs straight out to your Alaska car rentals.

In a city that isn’t known for its culinary prowess, International House of Hot Dogs puts Anchorage on the map.

Make this July 4the weekend the best one ever. Reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis to help you navigate the state in style and comfort.

Take a Waterfall Road Trip in Alaska Car Rentals

Alaska is known for its breathtaking vistas and awe-inspiring wilderness. Some of the more romantic views come with the waterfalls and glaciers that are dotted across the state. While you may find some trickling streams around the state that drip down the mountain, the more majestic waterfalls that are on this list will astonish you. Many of these can be found in your Alaska car rentals and make for a great road trip with thrilling hikes.

Nugget Falls

Nugget Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, and after arriving in your Alaska car rentals you’ll quickly understand why. This incredible waterfall flows from the Mendenhall Glacier. There’s a visitors center nearby that offers information on the area, from which you can take a stunning and easy hike to the falls. You don’t have to be a full outdoorsy person to enjoy the hike to the falls. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack a lunch to keep nourished on the way! You never know when you’ll find a leisurely spot for a picnic.

Brooks Falls

Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park and Preserve is known for its up close and personal experiences with Alaska’s bear population. You may need to drop the Alaska car rentals and take a plane in to see these incredible falls, but you’ll instantly see how worth it the trip is. Watching the salmons running down the river with bears waiting hungrily on the shores, you will feel like you’ve stepped into a nature magazine.

Virgin Creek Falls

Virgin Creek Falls are located near Girdwood, Turnagain Arm in Anchorage County. These falls are the epitome of picturesque. They run over steps of rocky cliffs to the river below. The waterfall offers a fairytale view in the midst of the wilderness. This one is another small, easy hike to get to – easy for the whole family to trek along, or a simple romantic date day through the natural landscape of Alaska.

Prince William Sound

If you’ve ever been to Wittier, Alaska then you’re probably already aware that this town has a high number of spectacular waterfalls. There are two breathtaking waterfalls that flow directly into Prince William Sound in Wittier.

The first is Beloit Falls which is part of Beloit Glacier. The Glacier is gorgeous on its own, but a trip on the water will make your journey particularly special. As these falls can only be enjoyed by boat, rather than by a hike as the others are accessed, this you will also have the added bonus of the blissful experience of the water. Many find this to be a tranquil break from the exhaustion of driving their Alaska car rentals around the state.

Northland Falls comes from Northland Glacier and runs into Prince William Sound. Similar to Beloit Falls, you’ll need to set out on a boat to see Northland Falls. Both falls, glaciers being their sources, are blanketed with frozen bits and ice that offer a certain serene, haunting elegance to the falls.

Russian River Falls

Russian River Falls offers more views of salmon jumping so that you can see first hand what the Alaskan wildlife sees. Russian River Falls are in Cooper Landing, which in itself is a wondrous natural site in Alaska. The falls are a short simple hike so you can spend you time enjoying the falls and less time tiring yourself out.

Alaska is a place full of wonders and waterfalls. Though we have only listed a few, there are many more places you can take your Alaska car rentals for pictures with the falls. First step? Reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis today.

 

 

 

The Alaska Airlines Merger: All You Need to Know

This spring, Virgin Airlines and Alaska Airlines announced that the two companies would be merging. This made big news – Virgin Airlines has been one of America’s most trusted and popular companies for decades. What would happen when the two airlines joined? What could travelers expect? And how could this affect our Alaska car rentals clients?

Particularly in recent decades, company mergers are a common occurrence – not always to the benefit of employees, companies, and clientele. But the merger between Alaska Air Group and Virgin America does seem promising, offering expanded opportunities to both airlines’ clients. Furthermore, this has the opportunity to increase traffic flow between Alaska, the Lower 48, and other parts of the world.

Increased opportunities

Thus far, the largest benefit that clients are raving about is that the merging of these two airlines will allow for an increased route plan. Both airlines have limited flights to restricted sections of America. However, when the two airlines officially merge, there will be as many as 1,200 flights out of the airline per day with many more destination options on offer.

Most importantly, many of these new flight options will be nonstop. If you’ve traveled through these airlines you’ll know that transfers and layovers are a very real possibility. With the merger, the airlines are attempting to reduce the number of stops that travelers must endure on their journey.

Not only will this merger connect more Americans with other parts of America, it will also bolster opportunities with international partners. Both airlines are dedicated to expanding their client base, while maintaining the same customer service for their long-term loyal customers. We, for one, are excited to meet new Alaska car rentals clients from all over the globe thanks to this merger!

Membership programs

One of the largest concerns about the merger has been the outcome of both airlines’ mileage and loyalty plans. Until the transaction officially closes, these mileage plans will remain distinct and separate, allowing travelers to use them as they always have. Once the transaction is complete, the mileage and loyalty programs of the two airlines will merge, and Virgin American loyalty customers will be able to use their award miles in the new program.

The new loyalty program continues the commitment to rewarding great customers. It relies on outstanding customer service, and will continue to offer destinations around the world – now as many as 900.

Blending the top 2 – a Super Airline

The idea behind the merger is to blend two of America’s top airlines in order to create an enhanced, super airline of sorts. Consistently, Alaska Airlines and Virgin America are ranked at top in flight service, top for customer satisfaction, and best employers of the major airlines in the United States. In buying Virgin America, Alaska Airlines decided to expand upon both airlines’ skillset and combine the two in order to create the best of both worlds. Together, the airlines will be able to improve on what needs improving, learn from each other, and elevate what is already positive in both companies.

Will this affect our Alaska car rentals clients?

Here at Avis Alaska car rentals, we truly believe that this merger can only be advantageous many of our clients. It will offer you many more opportunities to reap rewards from your airline, and offer you more convenience flights in and out of Alaska to a wider variety of destinations. Alaska remains a major hub for this airline, alongside San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland, which provide greater traffic flow and popular paths between these major American cities.

For more information about the merger from Virgin American, go here. If you’re a regular Alaska Airlines flyer, click here to find out about the merger directly from the company as well as details on how it may affect you. Both airlines have said that their clients will not be directly affected by the merging membership plan, and will only experience positive outcomes.

One thing that will always stay the same – Avis Alaska and our commitment to high quality Alaska car rentals matched with supreme customer service. Reserve your vehicle with us today.

What You Need to Know Before Moving Alaska

Are you considering moving to Alaska? We can tell you right now, that Alaska is a top-notch place to live. Whether we’re lifelong Alaskans or new to town, we’re proud to say that Alaska’s quality of life is higher than any other state in the Lower 48. So if you’re here scouting the state in your Alaska car rental, there are some things you’ll want to know before making any final decisions.

Get finances in order

While it’s true that the satisfaction of Alaskan residents is much higher than that of other states, the economy is Alaska is also much different. Cost of living is considerably elevated in comparison to other states. Everything – fuel, groceries, goods, equipment – is more expensive in Alaska than it would be in Ohio, for instance. You’re likely to notice this even just by traveling around in your Alaska car rental.

That being said, the economy didn’t crash with the rest of the states. Jobs are always available to those who want them, and wage is much higher to match the heightened cost of living. The state quite literally will pay you a permanent fund dividend (PFD) for every person in your household once you have lived in Alaska for more than 12 calendar months. This is to encourage a larger population in a generally low-populated state, and to help assist residents with the inflated cost of living.

If you’re already visiting in your Alaska car rental, you may also know that the flights in and out of Alaska are pricey. Alaska can be isolated, and if you have family outside of the state trips to visit for the holidays are going to be hefty.

The best of both

Many Alaskans are proud to admit that Alaska is almost like a country and culture entirely its own – separate from the Lower 48 in mentality, hobbies, environment, and history. You’ll be able to find modern cities snuggled alongside sweeping landscapes and omnipresent wilderness. It’s not uncommon to see wild life roam the cities. Most of the moose are friendly and human-tamed, but keep your distance to be safe!

Because of this, Alaskans have adjusted their lifestyle around the environment of the state. Fishing, hiking, water sports, winter sports, and hunting are hobbies that everyone in Alaska enjoys. Residents and visitors alike bond through festivals and competitions that focus on these activities, and you’ll find yourself welcomed in if you take part. You will quickly discover this if you take your Alaska car rental around the state in the summer.

Your daylight hours will change

Daylight is a bizarre concept in Alaska. In the deep winter months, daylight only comes to visit for 5 hours a day at most. Even then, daylight is never full – it remains partially dark and dim, even at noon and the sun never full rises in the sky.

During the summer months, daylight is your only companion. At 1 a.m. you will still find a dim, dusky light in the sky that looks closer to dawn than the darkest hours of the night. For anyone who has experienced this for a short period of time, you’ll know that these arctic daylight hours can take some getting used to. If you need extreme dark to sleep, you’ll want to invest in black out curtains before you make your big move.

Strong family community

Because Alaska is so isolated, the people in this state know how to build a strong community and to adapt. They understand function over fashion in their clothing (if it isn’t good for the outdoors, it isn’t good for an Alaskan), and keep their loved ones close – but are always willing to welcome newcomers into the fold. Dogs are everywhere in the city, trotting beside their humans with wagging tails. Many Alaskans can make anything out of anything, and know how to survive with minimal daylight in the largest snowfalls. There’s no doubt that in Alaska, you’ll learn a new kind of living that will become almost addictive.

Once you’ve reserved your Alaska car rental from Avis, we’d be happy to offer you tips on scouting the state for a possible move. Once the move is complete, we can then help you find the perfect permanent vehicle to travel the state.

Hiking Anchorage’s Chester Creek Trail

Hiking in Alaska is a top sport. If you’re visiting Alaska, then you would be seriously missing out if you didn’t check out at least a few trails before you leave. You don’t even need to take your Alaska SUV rental the metropolis of Anchorage – Chester Creek Trail is just outside of this city and is a gorgeous hike for both beginners and experts.

What to bring on the hike

Since you’re likely just going on a day hike, you don’t need to bring any more than you’d bring to any other day trip. A few snacks, a light sweater, and a large bottle of water will be plenty.

However, you may also want to bring a camera and a picnic blanket. This scenic trail is absolutely spectacular; more than one hiker has stopped for a relaxing picnic and a photo-op. Pack a basket will all of your favorite goodies to enhance the quality of your hike.

How long is the hike?

Chester Creek Trail is great for beginners, though experts still enjoy this easy stroll for its immense beauty. The walk runs only 4 miles and loops around from Westchester Lagoon to Goose Lake.

Terrain of Chester Creek

You certainly won’t need to worry about wearing intense hiking shoes for this trail. The terrain is flat, with a paved guided path. No directional skills? No problem here. Just follow the path and you’ll be find your way just fine. This is because technically the Chester Creek Trail is still within city limits, so there’s parking for your Alaska SUV rental.

Certainly, Chester Creek Trail isn’t exactly a dip into the wilderness. You’ll see the outskirts of Anchorage suburbs and neighborhoods, as well as plenty of spaces to stop and let the kids play. There are sports fields and picnic spots (where that blanket and loaded basket will come in handy!), and playgrounds to help wear out your kids’ extra energy before they have to get back in the Alaska SUV rental.

Be prepared to move out of the way for cyclists and joggers. This is a popular exercise trail for locals, because of the smooth path and beautiful surroundings, as well as its proximity to the city center.

Wild life in Chester Creek

Don’t expect to see the same kinds of scenes that can be found in other landscapes and hiking trails across Alaska, but that doesn’t mean Chester Creek isn’t beautiful in its own right. You may even catch a few wildlife sightings! Songbirds are common along the trails, ready to provide you with a soundtrack for your hike. Bird lovers will certainly want to bring along their bird whistle and book. They’ll have a great time spotting and naming birds along the 4 mile route.

Moose aren’t as common, but there is still a possibility that you’ll see one or two. Have the camera ready!

For a more challenging trip

If you want to roam off of the Chester Creek Trail to get a bit more of a challenge without having to get back into your Alaska SUV rental, take off down Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This trail is nearly 3 times the length of Chester Creek, at 11 miles in total, and intersects with Chester Creek. It goes along a semi-urban route (like Chester Creek) to Kincaid Chalet. Here again you’ll find cyclists, runners, and rollerbladers enjoying the warm summer weather.

On the Tony Knowles Trail, you’re much more likely to see moose as you dig deeper into nature. You’ll also catch a variety of other wild sights, like beluga whales off the coastline. This trail remains suitable for beginners with a bit more stamina, and continues to have a relatively flat terrain.

Alaska is a world of wonders that is waiting to be explored. Reserve your Alaska SUV rental from Avis today to set out on a hiking tour of the state.

Halibut Fishing in Alaska is Back!

Seafood is Alaska is like lifeblood. With fresh seafood being a hot commodity in the state, the start of a new fishing season is certainly cause for excitement. This month, halibut is back in the waters and ready for the catch. There are plenty of great spots where you can take your Alaska car rentals for halibut fishing, but first you’ll need to know a bit about fishing in the state.

Fishing anywhere has unique challenges and locales that only the locals or frequent visitors really know. Unless you’ve been halibut fishing in Alaska many times before, it’s unlikely you’ll know the ins and outs of the fishing culture in the region. Below we’ve listed a few things you may need to know before you set off on a fishing adventure in your Alaska car rentals.

If you’re not much of a fisher, you won’t have to miss out on the fresh catch. Halibut will be back in the markets, ready for the grill. Rockfish and cod are also back in the waters and in the market for your dinner table. Cod and rockfish may be back in the market sooner than halibut as fishers from Kodiak return with their load.

Don’t wait around for fresh salmon. Hopefully you loaded up before the salmon season ended and packed up the freezer so you can appease your salmon cravings even in the spring months.

Homer, Alaska

If you’re really interested in engaging in some superb halibut fishing then head on up to Homer, Alaska. This is the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” with charter services available to take you out on your halibut fishing expedition.

Every year, Homer is home to a halibut fishing derby. The derby runs from mid-May until mid-September but you’ll have to make sure you buy tickets so you can enter. Remember if you don’t have a ticket, you cannot enter for a chance to win – you don’t want to be faced with the disappointment that comes from a good catch without being able to offer it up for competition in the derby.

Each tagged fish that you catch is worth $50 and any fish caught from the 2015 derby this year will be worth $100. You will also have an opportunity to catch the GCI worth $50,000 and the Stanley Ford F-150 tagged halibut. This year, 130 fish have been tagged in the water as part of the derby which offers you pretty decent odds at catching at least one fish. So pack up the Alaska car rentals for your chance at a prize in the Homer Halibut Derby!

Halibut fishing tips

The first thing you need to know is that there’s a two fish limit per person in Homer. You also need to make sure you have a proper license for Alaska.

Good equipment for halibut fishing is the circle hook, rather than the treble hook or j-hook. This is a cheaper hook that won’t be a big loss when you have to cut the hook free from the mouth of your catch. You may add on red or white hoochies, beads, and skirts in order to attract halibut. If you’re looking for a really good one, use a skirt that glows in the water to draw halibut in.

We would recommend avoiding bait scent canisters for your fishing trip. As much as these can be effective at times, they also tend to leave an unfortunate odor in the surrounding area. We personally don’t like when clients of our Alaska car rentals are using these scent canisters as they can leave a malodorous atmosphere in the vehicle that other renters will have to deal with.

We’d recommend bait injectors instead. These little needles allow you to insert the scent into your bait, beats, skirts, and other equipment. These are more effective than scent canisters and won’t leave a scent in the Alaska car rentals.

You’re ready for a great fishing trip! Now all you need is a great Alaska car rentals from Avis.